Record Keeping

Hello! I am new to this forum, but would like some advice regarding record keeping. I have been practicing massage for some years now as a "hobby". I am now pursuing it full time and my only source of income. What kind of basic software package would you recommend for keeping records? Is a simple Excel spreadsheet good enough or is there something out there tailored to our business?

Replies to This Discussion

Angela
Welcome to my world of full time Masseuse and P/T spa girl. I've never heard of a massage practice as a hobby.

I've had all of the software products. Microsoft Money, Quicken, Quickbooks and Numbers for MAC. My most reliable source is an Excel Spreadsheet with line items for
Auto Expenses (including time and travel),
Relax & Aroma (all products necessary - write it down, table- table tools, linens (sheets & towels), laundry supplies, oils, aromatherapy, music, iPod, iPhone!!!! candles, incense even my crystals and smudge.)
Education: books, tuition.
Add a line item for ABMP dues and
Certifications as well as professional services you might need like a lawyer! a bookkeeper or your annual accountant.
If it's an official business - don't forget to line item your computer, software any consultations to web design or website costs.
I even write off my meals if I am going to or from a clients house... or if I travel from client to client or client to spa.
If I could streamline my format ( I have weekly columns) I would send it to you. Let me know if you are interested

I create my own spread sheet with excel nothing fancy just a running daily total of my income. I also track my hours (actual hands on time) so that I know what I am doing.
I use my day planner to track all my appointments and income from appointments gift certificate sales etc. then it is easy to translate to the spreadsheet.
I use Microsoft Money for my checking account and that works just fine.
If you are computer comfortable there is really no need to invest a ton of money of fancy programs to take care of simple tasks.
-Kirsten

Audrye - Thank you for your quick response. I will keep all this in mind. I would like to see your format if possible.
Thanks!

M. Audrey Pino said:

AngelaWelcome to my world of full time Masseuse and P/T spa girl. I've never heard of a massage practice as a hobby.

I've had all of the software products. Microsoft Money, Quicken, Quickbooks and Numbers for MAC. My most reliable source is an Excel Spreadsheet with line items forAuto Expenses (including time and travel),Relax & Aroma (all products necessary - write it down, table- table tools, linens (sheets & towels), laundry supplies, oils, aromatherapy, music, iPod, iPhone!!!! candles, incense even my crystals and smudge.)Education: books, tuition.Add a line item for ABMP dues andCertifications as well as professional services you might need like a lawyer! a bookkeeper or your annual accountant.If it's an official business - don't forget to line item your computer, software any consultations to web design or website costs.I even write off my meals if I am going to or from a clients house... or if I travel from client to client or client to spa.If I could streamline my format ( I have weekly columns) I would send it to you. Let me know if you are interested

Kristen, Thanks for the advice. I have such a simple practice, I'm thinking I can use a simple spreadsheet. Just wanted to get a feel for what was working best for others.

Kirsten Niesar said:

I create my own spread sheet with excel nothing fancy just a running daily total of my income. I also track my hours (actual hands on time) so that I know what I am doing.I use my day planner to track all my appointments and income from appointments gift certificate sales etc. then it is easy to translate to the spreadsheet.I use Microsoft Money for my checking account and that works just fine.If you are computer comfortable there is really no need to invest a ton of money of fancy programs to take care of simple tasks.-Kirsten